Have you ever felt the urge to go down a snow covered hill at full speed? Sledding can give you that excitement without the learning difficulties of skiing or snowboarding. All you need is a sled and a hill with ample space.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Start Sledding
Step 1. Choose a sled for ice or snow
Sharp and thin skates will increase your speed on icy surfaces. Sleds that glide with a wide base without blades are better for powder snow, because they distribute the driver's weight more evenly and reduce sinking. Sleds with wide skates are somewhere in between. Typically, those who are not keen, choose a model that is suitable for all types of terrain, but if you are about to buy your first sled, get one that works well on the descents you plan to want to try.
- Sledges with skids or sleds with slippery metal surfaces tend to be faster than those made of wood or plastic, because they create less friction. But metal sleds are much more expensive.
- Sleds with skates and power steering are the safest models for children. The same cannot be said for high-speed sleds.
Step 2. If necessary, wear a helmet
Many people don't think sledding is a dangerous sport, but serious or fatal accidents happen on a regular basis. Wearing a helmet is an excellent idea for children, as well as adults who go up steep, long, icy or obstacle-filled trails.
Usually, winter clothing provides the rest of the body with sufficient protection
Step 3. Choose a safe hill
Find a hill that is completely covered in snow or ice, as dry patches can hold back sledding. Never sled over hills full of obstacles or that end up in parking areas, on a road or on a watercourse. If there are other people nearby, choose an area of the hill from which you cannot walk on them.
Step 4. Sit facing forward
Stay seated as the sled moves and always look forward. Do not turn around, do not stand face down and do not try to spin the sled as it may be easier to crash.
Some sleds are designed so that the driver is on his stomach, but these should be used by experienced drivers or on specially prepared slopes in mountain locations
Step 5. Learn how to ride the sled
You can steer by leaning in the direction you want to go or by putting your foot out in the snow on that side. To slow down or to stop, put both feet out in the snow. The wider sleds and those with rollerblades often come with ropes that you can pull to turn the sled or have, more rarely, a power steering or other unusual mechanism. If you need to turn suddenly, especially if you are going at high speed, use several techniques to do this (for example, lean and put the boot off at the same time).
Tube-shaped and disc-shaped sleds can be very difficult to maneuver and should only be used in large, open areas with no obstacles - preferably on special runs in designated parks and other winter recreation areas
Step 6. Go for it if you lose control
If you lose control and the sled goes too fast to stop it, cover your face and head with your arms, then roll off the side of the sled.
Method 2 of 2: Go Faster
Step 1. Avoid the dangers
These steps can make sledding go "much" faster. Take a test ride on a short, easy slope, wearing a helmet to protect yourself from injuries.
Step 2. Wax the sled
Wax is a great and easy option to make wooden or metal sleds go faster. If you don't want to buy a specific product, you can use cooking grease or paraffin wax for candles. The liquid wax is rubbed on the bottom of the sled, left on for ten minutes, then polished with a nylon brush. If you are using a thicker wax for wooden sleds, you will first need to heat the sled with a hair dryer or other heat source, then you will need to apply the wax with a brush.
- You can also carry a non-stick fat-free cooking spray with you, to give the sled an additional slippery layer just before heading down the hill.
- Before using the ski wax, read the label. It has to be wax to slide, not to grip.
Step 3. Compact and block the snow
Always toboggan down to the same spot to press the snow and create a flat, fast path. If the temperature is below freezing and you have some time, put some water on the track and wait for it to freeze. Repeat this several times to get a slippery and icy track.
Step 4. Keep the sled smooth and clean
Use a cloth to wipe the dirt off the underside of the sled. If you have any rough or bumpy areas, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth them again. A coat of paint over the sanded area will limit the appearance of further damage in a short time.
If you wax the sled, check its condition regularly to see if it gets dirty or damaged. If so, run an ice scraper at a 45 ° angle
Warnings
- Children under the age of 12 must always be supervised by an adult while sledging.
- Small children or other people who would not be able to abandon and control the sled should use it together with a competent person.
